Opportunities for Educators

Dr. Gideon Erkenswick earned his PhD in Biology from the University of Missouri – St. Louis in 2017, specializing in molecular parasite ecology. He completed a postdoctoral research position at Washington University in St. Louis, where he investigated gene expression related to intracellular pathogen-host dynamics. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Field Projects International, he leads the global In Situ Laboratory Initiative in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Since co-founding FPI in 2010, Dr. Erkenswick has supervised hundreds of research interns, mentoring early-career scientists and guiding independent field research. He has also developed and instructed short-term field courses on wildlife biology, molecular ecology, and conservation, training students in both field and laboratory techniques.

His long-term wildlife research program in Peru has been ongoing since 2010 at the Los Amigos Biological Station in Madre de Dios, where he focuses on disease ecology, primate behavior, and conservation genetics.

All Field Projects International (FPI) travel and study abroad programs adhere to carefully developed policies designed to ensure ethical, safe, and responsible research, learning, and travel. These policies govern biological collection, plant and wildlife handling, and ethical research practices, as well as academic integrity, grading, and disciplinary procedures. Our commitment to non-discrimination, sexual and gender-based misconduct prevention, and ethical conduct fosters an inclusive and respectful learning environment.

Additionally, we provide comprehensive guidelines on health, safety, and emergency protocols, including insurance, vaccinations, health risks, and accommodations. Participants must follow local regulations and FPI’s policies on alcohol, drugs, and media use while also adhering to strict data collection, photography, and video use standards. Thorough travel preparation resources ensure participants are well-equipped for fieldwork. These policies prioritize participant safety, environmental stewardship, and scientific integrity, forming the foundation of all our programs.

Please inquire for more details.

FPI offers year-round program coordination, with scheduling based on factors such as academic level, group size, and course objectives. To begin the process, send an inquiry email to info(at)fieldprojects.org.

The more details provided in your inquiry, the better we can assess collaboration possibilities. Helpful information includes past study abroad experience, the level of FPI’s expected involvement (e.g., travel logistics, curriculum development, teaching, chaperoning), student enrollment structure (independent vs. school-organized), and whether participants come from one or multiple institutions. Providing these details upfront allows us to tailor programs to your specific needs.